Michael R. Emerson, 48, of Gorham and Frye Island, was arrested around 4 p.m. on Friday on a warrant charging multiple counts of unlawful sexual contact, Gorham Police Chief Rod Beaulieu said in a release. Emerson turned himself in to police.

The alleged abuse was reported on Aug. 19 and the victims were less than 12 years old at the time of the alleged abuse, Beaulieu said. The Department of Health and Human Services had received a referral from one of the alleged victim's parents and contacted police.

Detective Sgt. Dana Thompson of Gorham police said that investigators believe the incidents occurred over a two-year period.

Investigators from Frye Island and Gorham police carried out search warrants on Sept. 21 on Middle Beach Road on Frye Island and Down Road in Gorham, Beaulieu said.

Emerson was taken to the Cumberland County jail in Portland. He was released on $10,000 bail at 5:50 p.m. on Friday, a member of jail intake said.

Police continue the investigation and ask parents that if they suspect their children may have had contact with Emerson to contact the Gorham Police Department's detective unit at 207-222-1660.